Cooler having multiple compartments and cooler inserts for creating multiple compartments

ABSTRACT

A cooler insert has a base and a plurality of walls forming a compartment; at least one lid for enclosing the compartment; and, an insert-cooler positioning mechanism for positioning the cooler insert within the cooler. The insert-cooler positioning mechanism may be protrusions extending from the cooler insert and abutting the cooler walls.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 62/620,368, filed on Jan. 22, 2018, which is incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to coolers. More particularly, thepresent disclosure relates to a cooler having multiple compartments andto an insert apparatus for creating multiple compartments in a cooler.

BACKGROUND

Coolers (i.e., thermal insulative containers) have existed for years andhave become an indispensable item for many households. As such, severalconfigurations exist in the prior art. However, despite the plethora ofconfigurations, several problems remain. For example, most coolers havea single compartment, with, typically, food and ice to be storedtherein. However, as the ice begins to melt, the food may becomecompromised or spoiled by absorbing the liquid. Further, if the ice isnot clean, or does not remain clean, the food can become contaminated.As people frequently reach into the cooler to retrieve food, the icebecomes more contaminated and the ice begins to melt faster. Further,some items, such as canned beverages, may not be clean when placed inthe ice, resulting in contaminated ice/water, which in turn contaminatesfood. Traditional users of coolers find themselves reaching into andremoving foods that have been swimming in ice water, circulating withundesirable juices, saturated sticky bottle labels, and a myriad ofother filthy cross contaminants. This is followed-up by draining meltedwater, adding ice, and then reaching back into the ice to properlyorganize contents. Further, some contents may be crushed by the additionof ice. Users have expressed significant displeasure with thisexperience. As such, there is a need to reduce contamination and meltingof the ice in coolers, as well as improve a method of adding ice tocoolers without compromising its contents.

Attempts have been made by the prior art to solve such problems. Forexample, insertable trays with drainage slots have been disclosed in anattempt to keep food from coming into contact with water from the meltedice. While this helps, the ice is still in contact with the food andfood packaging, which may not be desirable. Further, when a user iswithdrawing foodstuffs from the cooler, their hands inevitably come intocontact with the ice. Not only does this contaminate the ice, but it mayalso be uncomfortable (i.e., too cold) for a user when they must digthrough ice to find a particular item. Further, when digging through iceto find the desired item, other food items may be damaged in theprocess. The weight, and shifting, of ice can damage foods such asproduce, sandwiches, or other foods that may be delicate. Foods thatwere intended by the user to remain on top of the ice, and away fromwater, may be inadvertently maneuvered to under the ice and into thewater when shifting.

Another attempt involved food trays for placement at the top of thecooler, on top of the ice. However, the upper portion of the cooler isthe least cool spot in the cooler, which may be a concern for many fooditems. This is of particular importance when, in some of the moreeconomical coolers, the inner temperature of the cooler may never reacha food-safe temperature even just one inch above the ice. For thisreason, and in particular, a simple bin suspended high above the iceline does not always provide adequate cooling and actually may be mostsusceptible to spoilage of the most perishable foods contained withinthe cooler.

Other attempts involve the use of re-usable ice-packs in place of ice.However, not only do these ice packs take up valuable space in thefreezer and cooler, a user cannot easily re-freeze or add additionalice-packs when away from home, such as on a camping trip. Therefore, iceis still the most-used cooling agent for portable coolers, despite therisk of contamination and soggy food. Further, when a user needs to addice, they may either remove all of the contents while additional ice isadded, which is both inconvenient and risks food contamination andspoiling, or may add ice directly atop the contents, which may alsodamage and contaminate the contents.

As such, despite the prior art's attempts, there still remains a needfor a cooler and cooler insert that segregates food, ice, and water fromone another. There is also a need to easily detect the internaltemperature of the cooler. The present disclosure seeks to solve theseand other problems.

SUMMARY OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

In one embodiment, a cooler comprises a lower compartment and aplurality of upper compartments separated by vertical walls. The uppercompartments are separated from the lower compartment by a panelcomprising a plurality of apertures to allow water to pass therethrough.In one embodiment, the panel may be solid under at least one uppercompartment, so as to completely segregate the at least one uppercompartment from the lower compartment. In one embodiment, the pluralityof upper compartments may have separate access lids.

In one embodiment, a cooler insert comprises a plurality of intersectingpanels, the panels configured to create a plurality of compartments wheninserted into a cooler, with at least one compartment being a lowercompartment and configured to elevate the upper compartments thereon,the upper compartments being separated by vertical walls, the panelseparating the lower compartment from the upper compartments comprisinga plurality of apertures allowing water to pass therethrough and remainin the lower compartment.

In one embodiment, a cooler insert comprises a cuboid with a lid, thecuboid having a hollow interior for receiving food therein. Further, thecuboid is sized so as to be received within a cooler, wherein when thecuboid is placed within the cooler, there is a void created between atleast one sidewall of the cooler and one side of the cuboid, wherein thevoid is sized so as to receive a standard bag of ice poured therein(e.g., 10 lb bag of ice).

In one embodiment, a cooler insert comprises a base and a plurality ofwalls forming a compartment; at least one lid for enclosing thecompartment; and, an insert-cooler positioning mechanism for positioningthe cooler insert within the cooler.

A method of using a cooler insert to reduce food contamination andspoiling, the method comprising inserting a cooler insert into a cooler,the cooler insert comprising a compartment and at least one lid toenclose the compartment; and wherein the cooler insert creates a voidfor ice and water between the cooler insert and the cooler.

In one embodiment, a cooler comprises one or more light sources (e.g.,light-emitting diodes (LEDs)) coupled to a temperature sensor, whereinthe temperature sensor is configured (e.g., temperature-controlledcircuits, microcontrollers, etc.) to illuminate a light source accordingto the internal temperature of the cooler. In one embodiment, themicrocontroller and thermometer remain inactive until a user actuates aswitch (e.g., push-button, toggle, pressure, etc.). In one embodiment,the cooler may further have an interior compartment light so that a usermay more easily find contents therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cooler having a plurality ofcompartments;

FIG. 2 is a side cross-section of a cooler having a plurality ofcompartments;

FIG. 3 is a side cross-section of a cooler having a plurality ofcompartments;

FIG. 4 is an electrical diagram for temperature indication;

FIG. 5A is a top plan view of a lid with LED indicators;

FIG. 5B is a top plan view of a lid with LED indicators;

FIG. 5C is a side elevation view of a lid with LED indicators;

FIG. 6 is a cross-section of a cooler insert apparatus inside a cooler;

FIG. 7A is a perspective, cutaway view of a cooler insert and cooler;

FIG. 7B is a perspective, cutaway view of a cooler insert within acooler;

FIG. 8 is a cross-section of a cooler insert;

FIG. 9 is a front, detailed cross-section view of a lid of a cooler inone embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a cooler insert with the lidremoved;

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a cooler insert with foodstuffsinside;

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of a cooler insert with food thereinand a lid thereon ready for placement inside the cooler;

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a cooler insert with food therein,lid on, and received within a cooler;

FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of a cooler insert without foodtherein to illustrate ice surrounding the cooler insert;

FIG. 15 is a front perspective cutaway view illustrating a cooler insertinside of a cooler, with ice and beverages also inside the cooler, butoutside of the cooler insert;

FIG. 16A is a top plan view of a cooler insert inside of a cooler;

FIG. 16B is a side elevation view of a cooler insert inside of a cooler;

FIG. 17A is a top plan view of a cooler insert inside of a cooler;

FIG. 17B is a side elevation view of a cooler insert inside of a cooler;

FIG. 18A is a top plan view of a cooler insert inside of a cooler;

FIG. 18B is a side elevation view of a cooler insert inside of a cooler;

FIG. 19A is a top plan view of a cooler insert inside of a cooler;

FIG. 19B is a side elevation view of a cooler insert inside of a cooler;

FIG. 20 is a side elevation view of a cooler insert inside of a cooler;

FIG. 21 illustrates a cooler insert platform within a cooler;

FIG. 22 illustrates a cooler insert with a drain plug attachment;

FIG. 23A illustrates a cooler insert with a drain plug attachment;

FIG. 23B illustrates a cooler insert with a drain plug attachment;

FIG. 23C illustrates a cooler insert with a drain plug attachment; and

FIG. 24 illustrates a cooler insert with a platform within a cooler.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The following descriptions depict only example embodiments and are notto be considered limiting in scope. Any reference herein to “theinvention” is not intended to restrict or limit the invention to exactfeatures or steps of any one or more of the exemplary embodimentsdisclosed in the present specification. References to “one embodiment,”“an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” and the like, may indicate thatthe embodiment(s) so described may include a particular feature,structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarilyincludes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further,repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment,”do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

Reference to the drawings is done throughout the disclosure usingvarious numbers. The numbers used are for the convenience of the drafteronly and the absence of numbers in an apparent sequence should not beconsidered limiting and does not imply that additional parts of thatparticular embodiment exist. Numbering patterns from one embodiment tothe other need not imply that each embodiment has similar parts,although it may.

Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to beillustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention,which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any andall equivalents thereof. Although specific terms are employed herein,they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not forpurposes of limitation. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, suchterms are intended to be given their broad, ordinary, and customarymeaning not inconsistent with that applicable in the relevant industryand without restriction to any specific embodiment hereinafterdescribed. As used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one ormore items. When used herein to join a list of items, the term “or”denotes at least one of the items, but does not exclude a plurality ofitems of the list. For exemplary methods or processes, the sequenceand/or arrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and notrestrictive.

It should be understood that the steps of any such processes or methodsare not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence,arrangement, or with any particular graphics or interface. Indeed, thesteps of the disclosed processes or methods generally may be carried outin various sequences and arrangements while still falling within thescope of the present invention.

The term “coupled” may mean that two or more elements are in directphysical contact. However, “coupled” may also mean that two or moreelements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet stillcooperate or interact with each other.

The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like, as usedwith respect to embodiments, are synonymous, and are generally intendedas “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as“including, but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpretedas “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as“includes, but is not limited to,” etc.).

As previously discussed, there is a need for a cooler that keeps food,ice, and water all separated from one another. By so doing, food remainsless contaminated, the ice melts slower, and the cooler remains colder.As will be appreciated from the below disclosure, the cooler and coolerinserts shown and described herein solve these needs and others.

In one embodiment, as generally shown in FIG. 1, a cooler 100 comprisesa lower compartment 102 and a plurality of upper compartments 104, 106,108 separated by vertical walls 110. The upper compartments 104, 106,108 are separated from the lower compartment 102 by a panel 112comprising a plurality of apertures to allow water to pass therethrough.In one embodiment, the panel 112 may be solid under at least one uppercompartment 104, 108, so as to completely segregate the at least oneupper compartment 104, 108 from the lower compartment 102. For example,ice may be deposited into the middle chamber 106 (also referred to asthe ice compartment). The ice sits on panels 112 (which may be grated,slotted, or have other apertures) that allow the melting water to passtherethrough into lower compartment 102. Keeping the water from the iceslows the melting process of the ice, and keeping the ice from the foodnot only protects the food from physical damage, but also helps preventspoiling. Another benefit may be ease of packing the cooler. Forexample, the ice compartment 106 may be sized so as to receive astandard 10 lb. bag of ice. In such a scenario, a user may pack theother compartments 104, 108 with as much as desired without worry of nothaving enough room for ice. In other scenarios, the user may desire toinput the ice first. Using the cooler disclosed herein, a user would nothave to worry about inputting too much ice and not having sufficientroom for the food, as the space is dictated by compartments 104, 106,108 and are easily manageable. The panel 112 may be solid under uppercompartments 104, 108 so as to keep the water from coming into contactwith the food. It will be appreciated that the vertical walls 110 andthe panel 112 are not insulated so that the compartments 104, 106, 108may all remain cold. The outer walls and lid 114 of the cooler areinsulated as is known in the art. The lower compartment 102 may furthercomprise a spigot for the release of water therein. Further, in oneembodiment, the plurality of upper compartments 104, 106, 108 may have alid 114 having separate, hinged openings for each upper compartment 104,106, 108. In other words, with a standard cooler in the art, there isonly one access lid. Whenever the lid is opened to retrieve an item, thetemperature rises and the ice melts faster. To overcome this problem,the ice is kept in one compartment (e.g., compartment 106) whilefoodstuffs are kept in the other compartments 104, 108. By so doing, theice compartment 106 may remain closed when a user is withdrawingfoodstuffs from other compartments 104, 108, keeping the ice frommelting as fast, keeping the temperature lower, which keeps food lastinglonger. As such, the lid 114 comprises at least two separate, hingedopenings, with at least one of the two separate, hinged openingsproviding access to only the ice compartment 106. As shown in FIG. 1,the lid 114 may be configured so as to create a valley to easily funnelice into the ice compartment 106. In one embodiment, the lids 114 may becontoured to facilitate the inputting of ice into the cooler, such asthat shown in FIG. 9. However, while it may be beneficial to havemultiple lids on the cooler, it is not a requirement and a cooler havingone lid is hereby contemplated. In such an instance, a user would simplyuse care to ensure the ice was received within the desired compartment.Further, it will be appreciated that while the drawings and photosillustrate three vertical compartments 104, 106, 108 created by twovertical walls 110, such configuration is not required and any number ofupper compartments may be used.

In one embodiment, as best shown in FIG. 2, a cooler 200 may be dividedinto multiple compartments 202, 204, 206. Compartment 204 occupies theentire inner housing of the cooler 200, minus the area occupied by thetwo compartments 202 and 206. Therefore, as illustrated, compartment 204comprises a middle segment 204A, a bottom segment 204B, and sidesegments 204C. Beneath the middle segment 204A is an elevated platform208 for keeping the ice elevated from the water as the ice melts. As theice melts, the resulting water passes to lower segment 204B and raisesinto segments 204C as it increases. Displacing the water over a largerarea (allowing it to rise on the outsides of compartments 202 and 206)keeps the water level lower, keeping the water from reaching the ice asfast. Also, having space along the sides not only creates an additionallayer of insulation, but allows for the flow of cold air to surroundcompartments 202 and 206, keeping the contents colder, longer. It isnoted that the bottom of compartments 202 and 206 is generally solid(but not insulated) so as to prevent the flow of water into thecompartments 202 and 206. Further, a spigot 210 may be used to drainexcess water when required.

It will be appreciated that multiple configurations are possible. Inexample one, the cooler may have ice compartments (those having a bottomthat allows the water to flow into a lower compartment) on both sides ofthe cooler, with a center compartment for food (solid bottom portion).In example two, the ice compartment may be centered in the cooler, withfood compartments on each side. In example three, as shown in FIG. 3,the cooler is separated into a food compartment 302 and an icecompartment 304. The ice compartment 304 may surround the foodcompartment 302 on at least two sides. At the bottom of the icecompartment 304 is one or more platforms 306 to keep the ice elevatedabove any water. These examples are non-limiting, and any number ofconfigurations are possible and contemplated herein.

In one embodiment, a cooler comprises one or more light sources (e.g.,light-emitting diodes (LEDs), incandescent bulbs, etc.) coupled to atemperature sensor, wherein the temperature sensor is configured (e.g.,temperature-controlled circuits, microcontrollers, etc.) to illuminatethe light source according to the internal temperature of the cooler.For example, FIG. 4 is a simplified diagram wherein multiple LEDsilluminate, depending upon the temperature of the cooler. For example, auser would depress switch 402 which would then close the circuit andsend power from the battery 404 to the temperature sensor 406 and to thecorresponding LED 408. For example, a temperature reading of 40-45degrees Fahrenheit would illuminate the first, green LED 408A,indicating that the cooler is remaining cold. A temperature reading of45-50 degrees Fahrenheit would illuminate the second, yellow LED 408B,indicating that the temperature is rising. A temperature reading of 50degrees and higher would illuminate a red LED 408C, indicating that foodmay be spoiling. It will be appreciated that these temperatures need notbe fixed to the foregoing example, but is a general guideline. Further,the thumb switch is also not required, but helps to save on powerconsumption. In other words, the corresponding LED could always remainlit, without need for a user to press a switch, but the battery woulddrain much faster. In the alternative, an ON/OFF toggle switch may alsobe used, such that a user could actuate the switch for periods of timeto monitor the status of the cooler. Further, a compression switch 410may be included so as to determine when the lid of the cooler is closedversus open. In yet another example, inner cooler lights 412A-B mayilluminate the interior of the cooler, such as when compression switch410 is actuated indicating that the lid is open. This allows a user tosee easier within the cooler.

The lighting described above may be located on the outside of the coolerfor ease of reading without need to open the lid (various configurationsshown in FIGS. 5A-C). For example, FIG. 5A illustrates a lid 500comprising a panel of LEDs 502 that indicate the internal temperature ofthe cooler. As shown in FIG. 5B, a lid 510 comprises a compressionswitch 502, temperature sensor 504, a plurality of LEDs 506, and abattery compartment 508. In another example, as shown in FIG. 5C, a lid520 may comprise a compression switch 522, temperature sensor (notvisible in this view), a plurality of temperature indicator LEDs 526, abattery compartment 528, and cooler storage LEDs 530. In one embodiment,the lighting may be located on the inside of the cooler, signaling thetemperature status to a user whenever the cooler is opened. Such aconfiguration may be accomplished using a compression switch between thelid and the body of the cooler. In one embodiment, the cooler comprisestemperature indicating lights on the outside of the cooler housing,while further having white LEDs on the inside of the cooler forillumination.

In one embodiment, a cooler insert apparatus 600 comprises a foodcompartment 602, the food compartment 602 being formed from a base 604,sidewalls 606, and a lid 608B. The food compartment 602 is placed intocooler 610, where the sidewalls 606 each rest on an ice platform 612.The ice platform 612 is a removably insertable apparatus that hasapertures therein so as to allow water to flow therethrough. In oneexample, a user may remove lid 608A or 608B so as to add ice to thecooler 610. The ice would then surround the food compartment 602. Theice platforms 612 aid in slowing the melted water from coming intocontact with the ice, thereby keeping the ice frozen longer. Further,ice adjacent to the walls 606 creates a higher overall thermal dynamicperformance, particularly noticeable in economy coolers which don'tprovide as much insulation. As a result, food is kept at a coolertemperature, which keeps it safer for consumption. Given the high amountof sicknesses that result from spoiled food in traditional coolers, theneed to keep food colder is needed in the art, and is solved by thecooler insert 600.

In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the ice platforms 712are a raised surface, being elevated by two or more legs 714. As anexample of use, a user would place the two ice platforms 712 into thecooler 710, each being on an opposite side of the cooler. The user wouldthen insert the food compartment 702 (also referred to herein as a“cooler insert”) between (or slightly resting on, as shown in FIG. 6)each ice platform 712. With a lid secured over the food compartment 702,the user would then dump ice 720 into the resulting ice compartments716, where the ice will rest on ice platforms 712. As the ice begins tomelt, the resulting water will pass through the apertures in the surfaceof the ice platforms 712 and flow into the void 718 underneath the foodcompartment 702 and ice compartments 712 (the void created by the legs714 of the platforms 712 and legs 715 of the cooler insert 702). Theresult is ice that is not in contact with foodstuffs and that also hasminimal contact with water. This keeps the cooler colder, and forlonger, than previous attempts in the art. It will be appreciated thatthe size of the food compartment 702 may vary so as to accommodatevarying sizes of coolers. Further, the sidewalls 706 and base 704 mayhave overlapping portions that allow the food compartment to be slidablyadjusted to the fit of a cooler. For example, a simple tongue and grooveconfiguration may be used. In other words, the base 704 may be comprisedof two plates, an upper plate and a lower plate. The lower plate wouldbe held proximal to the upper plate by a set of grooves on the bottomside of the upper plate. The lower plate would be sized so as to fitwithin the grooves and slide therein. The sidewalls could be configuredin a similar manner. In such an instance, the user could adjust thelength and/or width of the food compartment to fit within their cooler.

In one embodiment, a cooler insert comprises a plurality of intersectingpanels, the panels configured to create a plurality of compartments wheninserted into a cooler, with at least one compartment being a lowercompartment and configured to elevate the upper compartments thereon,the upper compartments being separated by vertical walls, the panelseparating the lower compartment from the upper compartments andcomprising a plurality of apertures allowing water to pass therethroughand remain in the lower compartment.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cooler insert 800. FIG. 8A is a side view of thecooler insert 800 comprising a first compartment 802, a secondcompartment 804, and a third compartment 806. As shown, the firstcompartment 802 and third compartment 806 comprise a solid (preferablynon-insulated) base 803, 805, respectively. First compartment 802 andthird compartment 806 preferably receive foodstuffs. Second compartment804 preferably receives ice, with the ice resting on platform 807. Theplatform 807 has apertures so as to allow the melted water to passtherethrough and underneath all three compartments 802, 804, 806. Thisconfiguration aids in cooling the food compartments 802, 806 as well askeeps the ice in compartment 804 from melting as fast.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of a possible lid configuration for acooler insert. For example, cooler insert 900 comprises a firstcompartment 902, a second compartment 904, and a third compartment 906.The outer lids 908, 910 may have angled tops 909, 911 that funnel theice into the center compartment 904 (when center lid 912 is removed).This allows a user to easily fill the center compartment 904 with icewith little mess.

FIGS. 10-14 illustrate a cooler insert 1000. As shown the cooler insert1000 may have a cuboid form factor, the cuboid formed from a base 1002and walls 1004. The cooler insert 1000 further comprises a lid 1006, thecuboid having a hollow interior 1008 for receiving food therein.Further, the cooler insert 1000 is sized so as to be received within acooler, wherein when the cooler insert 1000 is placed within the cooler,there is a void 1009 (FIG. 14) created between at least one sidewall ofthe cooler and one side of the cooler insert 1000, wherein the void issized so as to receive a standard bag of ice poured therein (e.g., 10lb. bag of ice). The voids between the walls 1004 and the cooler may beensured by using one or more insert-cooler positioning mechanisms. Forexample, in one embodiment, the insert-cooler positioning mechanisms maycomprise protrusions 1010. The protrusions 1010 abut the cooler walls toensure a void is created for receiving ice. The protrusions 1010 mayalso keep the cooler insert from sliding within the cooler. Theprotrusions 1010 may be fixed (e.g., solid plastic), or may beselectively extendable (e.g., telescopic, twist and lock,screw-extendable, spring-driven, etc.). The base 1002 may be elevated onone or more legs 1012, which is another example of an insert-coolerpositioning mechanism. This allows ice, melted water, and/or cold air topass under the cooler insert 1000 when in the cooler. Because the icecan surround the cooler insert 1000, the contents in the interior 1008are kept at cooler temperatures. In other words, placing a tray or foodon top of the ice does not keep food as cold as when surrounding thefood by ice. Because the food can be kept at a lower position in thecooler than much of the ice, the temperature where the food is located(inside of the cooler insert 1000) is significantly cooler, whichovercomes issues in the prior art. However, the insert-coolerpositioning mechanism may also comprise a lip for resting on the ledgeof the cooler walls.

The insert-cooler positioning mechanism may comprise several variations.For example, in one embodiment, the insert-cooler positioning mechanismmay comprise magnets, hooks and loops (e.g., Scuba Velcro®) or othermechanisms. An insert-cooler positioning mechanism may allow the voidbeneath the cuboid to be smaller without the water from the melted icecausing the cuboid to float. In one embodiment, an insert-coolerpositioning mechanism may comprise one or more protrusions, shelfs, orother panel insert, may be used to elevate the ice in the void andprevent the ice from coming into contact with the bottom of the cooler.

While a 10 lb. bag has been used in one or more examples above, thepresent invention should not be so limited. In one embodiment, an icecompartment, or void, is configured to receive a solid ice block, looseice, ice packs (e.g., re-usable gel packs), or some combination thereof.In one embodiment, a compartment may be specifically configured toreceive a re-usable pack, and may be in addition to one or more icecompartments, or voids. The compartments may hold more, or less, than 10lbs. of ice, depending upon cooler size and configuration. While thesegregation of food, ice, and water has been discussed, it will beappreciated that a user may desire that some items remain with the ice,such as cans (e.g., soda). For example, FIG. 15 is a cutaway view of acooler 1102 having a cooler insert 1100 therein. As shown, the coolerinsert 1100 is sized so as to allow ice 1104 and cans 1106 to beinterposed between insert wall 1108 and the cooler 1102. For example,the ice void 1110 may be sized so as to receive a 6-pack of soda and a10 lb. bag of ice. Again, the foregoing is only an example and shouldnot be limiting. Although not visible, the cooler insert may have legsor be coupled to a platform that allows ice 1104 and/or melted water topass thereunder.

FIGS. 16A-B illustrate one configuration of a cooler insert 1150 withina cooler 1152. As shown, the cooler insert 1150 may comprise protrusions1154 as an insert-cooler positioning mechanism. The cooler insert 1150may further comprise legs 1156, allowing ice and/or water to pass underthe base 1158 of the cooler insert 1150. As shown, the cooler insert1150 may be less in width than the opening of the cooler, allowingbeverages 1157 to be placed in the cooler, along with ice 1159.

FIGS. 17A-B illustrate one configuration of a cooler insert 1170 withina cooler 1172. The insert-cooler positioning mechanism may comprise alip 1174 that rests on a ledge of the walls of the cooler 1172. In sucha configuration, the base 1176 of the insert 1170 may be suspended abovethe base 1178 of the cooler 1172, allowing ice 1179 and/or water to passunder the cooler insert 1170.

FIGS. 18A-B illustrate a configuration of a cooler insert 1190 within acooler 1192. The insert-cooler positing mechanism may comprise one ormore magnets 1194. For example, the base 1196 of the cooler 1192 mayeither be metal or have magnets coupled thereto. The cooler insert 1190may be metal and/or likewise have magnets coupled thereto. Accordingly,the cooler insert 1190 is magnetically positioned within the cooler1192. This keeps the cooler from floating as ice melts, and likewiseprevents the cooler insert 1192 from moving within the cooler 1192. Inother words, no protrusions are utilized in this embodiment, but ice1199 is able to surround the cooler insert 1190.

FIGS. 19-B illustrates a configuration of a cooler insert 1200 within acooler 1202. The insert-cooler positioning mechanism may comprise hingedprotrusions 1204 that are hinged on the cooler insert 1200. For example,the hinged protrusion 1204 allows movement of the cooler insert 1200 ina first direction (e.g., downward into the cooler 1202), but prohibitsmovement in a second direction (e.g., upward from the cooler 1202)without user intervention. The hinged protrusion 1204 may have a rubberend that engages a sidewall of the cooler 1202, which in turn putstension on the hinged protrusion 1204 and cooler insert 1200, therebypreventing the cooler insert 1200 from floating. If a user desires toremove the cooler insert 1200 from the cooler 1202, the user may pressthe hinged protrusion 1204 against the walls of the cooler insert 1200so as to disengage the hinged protrusion 1204 from the cooler 1202.While hinged protrusions 1204 are used as an example, other mechanismsmay be used. For example, the insert-cooler positioning mechanism maycomprise twist and lock telescoping protrusions, screw-driveprotrusions, or other mechanisms.

As illustrated in FIG. 20, the insert-cooler positioning mechanism maycomprise a cooler insert 1300 comprising grooves 1302 formed fromprotrusions 1304. The grooves 1302 receive tongues 1306. Tongues 1306may be an integral part of a cooler 1308 or may be a bracket 1310 thatmay be received over the wall of a cooler. The tongue-in-grooveconfiguration prevents the cooler insert 1300 from unwanted movement andmay also allow for ideal ice placement (e.g., adjacent and/or below thecooler insert 1300).

FIG. 21 illustrates a cooler insert platform 1400 within a cooler 1402,the cooler insert platform 1400 functioning as the insert-coolerpositioning mechanism. The platform 1400 may comprise protrusions 1404for engaging the walls of the cooler 1402 to restrict movement of theplatform 1400 within the cooler 1402. As described elsewhere herein,these protrusions 1404 may be fixed or selectively extendable. Theplatform 1400 may also comprise magnets, tongue-and-groove features, orother mechanisms for coupling the platform 1400 to the cooler insert(not visible in this view).

FIG. 22 illustrates cooler insert 1500 within cooler 1502. Theinsert-cooler positioning mechanism comprising a drain-plug attachment.For example, a male portion 1504 is inserted into the drain, creating aseal. The male portion 1504 may be secured through the drain using outerportion 1505. In one example, as shown, a vertical member 1506 extendsupwardly from the male portion 1504, where a cooler insert 1500 may besecured thereto (e.g., tonge-and-groove, magnets, hook and loop, etc.).In one embodiment (not shown), the vertical member 1506 is replaced witha horizontal platform, allowing the base of the cooler insert to couplethereto, which may or may not be suspended over the base of the cooler.FIGS. 23A-23B illustrate cooler insert 1600 within cooler 1602. Theinsert-cooler positioning mechanism comprising a male portion 1604inserted into the drain of the cooler 1602. A horizontal member 1604couples to the male portion 1604, with the cooler insert 1600 couplingto the horizontal member 1604 to prevent unwanted movement and to securethe cooler insert 1600 in the desired position. As shown in FIG. 23C,the horizontal member 1614 may comprise extensions 1616 to accommodatevarying sizes of coolers. The extensions be may screw-driven, springactuated, twist and lock, etc.

FIG. 24 illustrates a cooler insert 1700 within cooler 1702. Theinsert-cooler positioning mechanism comprises one or more horizontalmembers 1704 and a platform 1706. The platform 1706 may have magnets1708 coupled thereto for securing the cooler insert 1700 thereon. Asshown, the cooler insert 1700 may also have magnets 1710. The horizontalmembers 1704 generally aid in creating a void between the base 1712 ofthe cooler insert 1700 and the base 1714 of the cooler 1702. This allowswater and/or ice to fill the void, keeping food within the cooler insert1700 colder, longer.

It will be appreciated that the cooler insertable systems disclosedabove could be made from any number of materials, such as plastics,PVCs, rubbers, carbon fibers, aluminum, stainless steel, or any othermaterial that is corrosion resistant. In one embodiment, the materialmay be rigid. In another embodiment, the material may be flexible so asto contour to the shape of the cooler.

It is appreciated from the foregoing that the cooler and cooler insertovercome problems in the prior art by keeping the food, ice, and waterseparated from one another; namely, the cooler and cooler insertdescribed above allow for the food to remain less contaminated, slow theice melting, and keep the cooler colder for longer periods. Further, thecooler insert described herein allows a user to easily pack it with fooddue to its lightweight construction. Further, it allows for ease ofcleaning due to being removable from the cooler. Further, because thecooler insert herein is enclosed to keep the food separate from water, auser need not waste time in waterproofing foodstuffs. For example, auser need not place foodstuffs in a Ziploc® bag to prevent water damage,as water will not enter the cooler insert—saving a user time and money,as well as reducing plastic waste. Further, because the cooler insertmay be in contact with ice on several sides, the temperature inside ofthe cooler insert is significantly lower than traditional coolers, asshown in an example below. This enhances the safety of traveling withperishable foods. Even more, the ability to add ice during multi-day useis improved, as a user need not worry about removing foodstuffs to addadditional ice. Instead, the cooler insert may remain in place whileadditional ice is added and/or water is drained, which is a significantimprovement over the prior art.

In preliminary testing, ice was placed in a 48 qt Coleman Cooler and thetemperature about two inches above the ice was measured (about 4 inchesfrom the bottom of the cooler). The coldest temperature recorded was 42degrees. In comparison, a cooler insert (e.g., cuboid) was placed withinthe cooler, with the same amount of ice then added. Temperatures as lowas 37 degrees were recorded at the same height (about four inches fromthe bottom of the cooler). Therefore, the distribution of ice along thesides of the cooler make a significant impact on the internaltemperature.

Exemplary embodiments are described above. No element, act, orinstruction used in this description should be construed as important,necessary, critical, or essential unless explicitly described as such.Although only a few of the exemplary embodiments have been described indetail herein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate thatmany modifications are possible in these exemplary embodiments withoutmaterially departing from the novel teachings and advantages herein.Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included withinthe scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cooler insert receivable within a cooler, thecooler insert comprising: a base and a plurality of walls forming acompartment; at least one lid for enclosing the compartment; aninsert-cooler positioning mechanism for positioning the cooler insertwithin the cooler.
 2. The cooler insert of claim 1, wherein theinsert-cooler positioning mechanism comprises at least one leg extendingfrom the base, creating a void for ice and water between the base of thecompartment and the base of the cooler.
 3. The cooler insert of claim 1,wherein the insert-cooler positioning mechanism comprises at least oneprotrusion extending from the walls, creating a void for ice and waterbetween the walls of the compartment and the walls of the cooler.
 4. Thecooler insert of claim 3, wherein the protrusions may be selectivelyextendable to accommodate varying cooler sizes.
 5. The cooler insert ofclaim 1, wherein the protrusions comprise springs for exerting anoutward force on the inner walls of the cooler to aid in preventingunwanted movement of the cooler insert within the cooler.
 6. The coolerinsert of claim 1, wherein the insert-cooler positioning mechanismcomprises a lip for resting on a ledge of the cooler walls.
 7. Thecooler insert of claim 1, wherein the insert-cooler positioningmechanism comprises a coupling bracket within the cooler.
 8. The coolerinsert of claim 1, wherein the insert-cooler positioning mechanismcomprises an adjustable platform, the platform positionable within thecooler and secured using tension, the cooler insert coupling to theadjustable platform.
 9. The cooler insert of claim 8, wherein the coolerinsert is coupled to the adjustable platform using magnets.
 10. Thecooler insert of claim 1, wherein the insert-cooler position mechanismcomprises a drain plug attachment.
 11. The cooler insert of claim 10,wherein a platform extends horizontally from the drain plug attachment,the cooler insert coupleable to the platform.
 12. The cooler insert ofclaim 10, wherein a vertical member extends vertically from the drainplug attachment, the cooler insert coupleable to the vertical member.13. The cooler insert of claim 1, further comprising a plurality ofcompartments.
 14. The cooler insert of claim 13, wherein the coolerinsert creates a void between the walls and base of the cooler and thewalls and base of the cooler insert for ice and water.
 15. A coolerinsert receivable within a cooler, the cooler insert comprising: a baseand a plurality of walls forming a compartment; a lid for enclosing thecompartment; at least one protrusion extending outwardly from the baseor walls, the protrusion abutting the inner walls or base of the coolerto keep the cooler insert at a predetermined distance from the base orsidewalls.
 16. The cooler insert of claim 15, wherein protrusions extendfrom both the base and the walls and abut the base and the walls of thecooler, respectively, creating a void for ice and water between thewalls and base of the cooler insert and the walls and base of thecooler.
 17. The cooler insert of claim 15, wherein the protrusionscomprise selectively extendable tension rods.
 18. A method of using acooler insert to reduce food contamination and spoiling, the methodcomprising: inserting a cooler insert into a cooler, the cooler insertcomprising a compartment and at least one lid to enclose thecompartment; and wherein the cooler insert creates a void for ice andwater between the cooler insert and the cooler.
 19. The method of claim18, wherein the cooler insert comprises a plurality of segregatedcompartments and a plurality of lids for each compartment.
 20. Themethod of claim 18, wherein the cooler insert comprises an insert-coolerposition mechanism.